Shoes

ABSTRACT

A sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe comprises a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe. The flexible member is capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights. A removable heel and shaping member has a heel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height. A shaping part is removably fastened to the flexible member to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to the heel height.

CROSS REFERENCES AND RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/257,589 filed Jan. 21, 2003, pending, which constitutes aU.S. National stage application claiming priority from PCT/GB01/01663filed Apr. 12, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sub-assemblies for forming shoes, kitsof parts for forming shoes, and to shoes formed therefrom.

In this specification, the term “shoe” is used to refer to any relevantform of footwear including, without limitation, boots, slippers andsandals.

A shoe, particularly a ladies shoe, is conventionally formed on a lastshaped to the required shape of the shoe. The shoe comprises, broadly,an upper, a base and a heel. For the purposes of this specification, theword “base” is used to refer to the portion of a shoe, excluding theheel, that lies below the wearer's foot. Accordingly, the base canconsist of a number of components. Normally, the base will comprise aninsole and a sole that lies under the insole and that contacts theground when walking.

The method of manufacturing shoes and the materials involved hasremained unchanged for many years. In the conventional method, the baseis made up from an insole and an outer sole, with a rigid steel shanksandwiched therebetween. It is the shank which dictates the shape of thebase, i.e. its form and curvature. Portions of the shoe upper can besandwiched between the insole and the sole to connect the upper to thebase. In general, the upper and the base (with the shank embeddedtherein) are formed together on a last and then the heel is attached bymeans of glue and nails. In more recent methods, the outer sole and heelmay be injection moulded as a single piece, with an integral shank.

The shank bridges the heel breast and the ball tread. The shankpiece orshank spring can be made from wood, metal, steel, fiberglass or plasticand consists of a piece approximately 10 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Theshankpiece lies within the bridge or waist of the shoe, i.e., betweenthe heel and ball of the foot, corresponding to the medial and lateralarches. The shankpiece reinforces the waist of the shoe and prevents itfrom collapsing or distorting in wear. The shoe designer will set thecontour of the shank depending upon the height of the shoe beingdesigned. Shoes with low heels, e.g., ballet pumps or shoes with wedgedsoles, do not require a shank because the torque between the rear andforefoot does not distort the shoe.

In the conventional methods of manufacture of a ladies shoe with a highheel, a different last must be used for each shoe depending on theheight of the heel so that the base is shaped appropriately. The shapeand contour of the shank must be fixed to ensure that the base of theshoe will not collapse when stood upon, the shoe is comfortable to wearand properly supports the foot. This requires the shank to extendunderneath the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. A comfortableconfiguration of the base is a flattened or elongate S-shape, the basebeing generally flat at the toe end and somewhat flexible, then thestiffening of the shank causing the base to curve upwardly and supportthe arch regions of the extended foot before flattening out over theheel, so as to distribute the wearer's weight over the heel. Anuncomfortable configuration is one in which the base merely hinges orangles upwardly at the ball of the foot, without any support for thearch region or distribution of weight over the heel.

There have been various proposals for shoes having a replaceable orinterchangeable heel. Such proposals allow the heel to be replaced whenworn out, or simply changed to another heel of different shape, style orcolour. However, if the heel is to be replaced with one of a differentheight then the shoe must accommodate this in some way.

It has been proposed to provide a shoe having a base which is hinged,for example at a position near to the ball of the foot, such that thebase can be angled upwardly when a higher heel is used. This can give awearer the choice and flexibility to convert a flat shoe into a higherheel shoe, and vice versa. Although the hinging of the base accommodatesa higher heel, the embedded shank sets the shape of the base under thearch of the foot and this cannot be changed. The wearer's foot, however,would naturally adopt a different arched configuration in a higher heelshoe. As the arched shape of the base cannot change, the foot may not beproperly supported in the higher heel mode and may tend instead to slideforward in the shoe, putting excessive pressure on the ball of the foot.This is clearly uncomfortable.

Such proposals assume that the base of a shoe can have the same shape inthe arch region in both high and low heel positions. Thereforecomprising the support and comfort provided. Furthermore, in particularwhere a conventional leather upper is used, there exists the problemthat the backstrap or back part of the upper will dig into the wearer'sheel when the shoe is tilted up to accommodate a higher heel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided asub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

-   -   a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe,        having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of        foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;        and    -   a removable heel and shaping member having a heel part        supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height        and a shaping part removably fastened to the flexible member to        cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting        shape adapted to said heel height.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided asub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

-   -   a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe,        having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of        foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;    -   a heel member supporting the rear end of the flexible member at        a heel height; and    -   a removable shaping member fastenable to the flexible member to        cause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting        shape adapted to said heel height.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit ofparts for forming a shoe comprising:

-   -   a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear        end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of        foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;    -   a heel member for supporting the rear end of the flexible member        at a heel height; and    -   an elongate shaping member manually engageable with said        flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a        particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said        heel member.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kitof parts for forming a shoe comprising:

-   -   a shoe base for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear        end, and including a flexible member capable of a plurality of        foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights;    -   a heel and shaping member having a heel part for supporting the        rear end of the flexible member at a heel height, said heel and        shaping member being manually engageable with said flexible        member so as cause the flexible member to adopt a particular        foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heel        member.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided asub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising:

-   -   a base member having multiple articulations;    -   a heel having a heel height; and    -   an elongate shaping member cooperating with the multiple        articulations of the base member to cause the base member to        adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel        height.

The foot supporting shape or configuration should be one which properlyand comfortably supports a foot in use. The Applicants have appreciatedthat for maximum comfort the foot supporting configuration or shape ofthe base of a shoe must change depending on the height of the shoe'sheel and that this must be taken into consideration when designing ashoe having a removable, replaceable, detachable or otherwiseinterchangeable heel. It is preferable that the foot supporting shape isan S-shape appropriate to the heel height. This provides the necessarysupport in the heel and arch regions of the foot, resulting in acomfortable shoe.

In preferred embodiments, the shaping part is elongate and extends at anacute angle to the heel part. Thus, the shaping part extends from therear end of the flexible member, where the heel part provides support,towards the front end, shaping the flexible member under the heel andarch regions of the foot when the shoe is worn. The shaping membertherefore acts in the same way as an embedded shankpiece in aconventional shoe, providing stability and stiffening the waist of theshoe into a shape suited to the height of the heel.

To ensure that the preferably elongate shaping part fully shapes theflexible member along its length, the flexible member is preferablyprovided with corresponding fastening means for fastening the shapingpart along part of the length of the flexible member between the rearand front ends. However, the shaping part does not extend as far as thefront end of the flexible member and no fastening means are provided atthe front part of the flexible member. The regions of the flexiblemember lying under the toes and ball of a foot are therefore unshapedand unstiffened, ensuring the comfort of the shoe in wear.

The fastening means may take any suitable form such as clips, hooks,catches, snaps, a snap-fit mechanism or a mutually sliding arrangement.Preferably the shaping part is fastened to more than one part of theflexible member. This helps to ensure that the flexible member is forcedto fully adopt the shape provided by the shaping part, so that theflexible member is stiffened into a particular foot supporting shape orconfiguration adapted to the height of the heel. The shape provided bythe shaping part is preferably an S-shape. In preferred embodiments theshaping of the flexible member is achieved by the shaping partstiffening the flexible member into a particular foot supporting shapeor configuration.

In some preferred embodiments an elongate channel extends along part ofthe length of the flexible member between the front end and the rearend. The elongate shaping part is suitably slidingly fastened into thechannel. The channel may be open e.g. on any of its sides or closed. Byfastening the shaping part into a channel, for example provided alongthe underside of the flexible member, the shaping part is held fastenedalong its length and thus provides optimal shaping and stiffening to theflexible member. This is important because it is the shape of theshaping part which causes the flexible member to adopt a particular footsupporting shape or configuration adapted to the heel height.Furthermore, such a mechanism provides a quick and simple way offastening and unfastening a shaping part to a flexible member in asingle manual operation. It is therefore particularly suitable toremovable heel and shaping members; or separately removable shapingmembers.

In all of the above embodiments, it is the shaping part which causes theflexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape orconfiguration, tailored to the height of the heel part or member. Wherethe shaping member is separate to the heel member, it must always impartthe flexible member with a foot supporting shape which is suited to theheight of the heel member. Thus, the shaping member is always dependenton the heel member even if they are provided separately. The shapingpart and heel part may be integrally moulded as one piece. This ensuresthat the shape of the shaping part is adapted to the height of the heelpart. The shaping member may be separate from but attachable to the heelmember. In a kit of parts including a heel member and a separate shapingmember, manual selection of a shaping member suitable for the height ofthe heel member may be required. It may be that the heel height isadjustable without removing the heel. In such cases different shapingmembers will be required if the heel height changes substantially.

Rather than having a fixed, e.g., moulded, heel and shaping member, insome embodiments the shaping part may be pivotably connected to the heelpart to allow the heel and shaping member to be folded for storage ortransportation. This is particularly useful where a wearer wishes tocarry a spare or alternative heel.

In other embodiments, the shaping member and heel member may be separateparts. Forming the shaping member and the heel member separately allowsdifferent materials to be used. For example, the shaping member can bemoulded from a very stiff and strong composite material which allowsprecision moulding whereas the heel member can be moulded from acheaper, lower performance plastics material which allows greatervariety in the appearance of the heel member.

Any suitable kind of upper strap or other means may be provided in orderthat the shoe base can receive and retain a foot during wear. An upperstrap with a flexible back strap is particularly advantageous as itallows the back strap to flex outwardly from the wearer's heel as theangle of the heel relative to the toe is decreased in a flatter shoe,making the shoe fit comfortably regardless of heel height.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sub-assembly forincorporation into a shoe and formed by a flexible member and a heelincluding a support member, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) show a perspective view, a plan view and aside elevation respectively of the flexible member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3(a) shows the flexible member of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3(b) shows a first heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3(c) shows the flexible member of FIG. 3 a connected to the firstheel of FIG. 8 b;

FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c) show respectively the flexible member of FIG.1, a second heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1 and the flexible member ofFIG. 4(a) connected to the second heel of FIG. 4(b);

FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) show respectively the flexible member of FIG.1, a third heel of the kind shown in FIG. 1 and the flexible member ofFIG. 5(a) connected to the third heel of FIG. 5(b);

FIG. 6(a) shows, in plan view, an upper for use with the sub-assembly ofFIG. 1 and having reinforced regions,

FIG. 6(b) shows the upper of FIG. 6(a) applied to a sub-assembly of thekind shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a shoe incorporating a flexible memberincorporated into a sole and upper with a separate heel, locking tab andclip, the shoe being formed from a sub-assembly or kit in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 8(c) and 8(d) are a plan view, a perspective view, aside elevation and an end elevation of a flexible member forincorporation in a sub-assembly of kit for a shoe, in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows, in plan view, an upper assembly comprising an inner layerformed in one piece from a stretchable material and including a vampoverlay and a toe puff;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the inner layer with the heel ends of theinner layer stitched together along a back seam;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10 but with a back part stiffeneradded and a lasting allowance of the inner layer folded inwardly toreceive a sole;

FIG. 12 is a similar view to FIG. 11 but showing the upper assemblyflexed about a hinge to a first degree;

FIG. 13 is a similar view to FIG. 12 with the sub-assembly flexed aboutthe hinge to a second, greater degree;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sub-assembly or kit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows the method of forming a shoe using the sub-assembly or kitof FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective, underside view of a shoe formed from a kit orsub-assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are schematic side cross-sectional and plan viewsof a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19(a), 19(b) and 19(c) show the formation of shoes having differentheight heels from a sub-assembly or kit in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a heel and shaping member engagedwith and fastened to a flexible member in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 21 shows the engagement and disengagement of the heel and shapingmember of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of thepresent invention showing a heel and shaping member which folds forstorage and transportation;

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of thepresent invention showing separate heel and shaping members;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing how the shaping member provides adifferent S-shape adapted to different heel heights;

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of a heel and shaping member foruse in a sub-assembly or kit in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIGS. 26-29 are schematic illustrations of various fasteningarrangements for use in embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 1, the sub-assembly for incorporation into ashoe or kit for forming a shoe is formed by a flexible member indicatedgenerally at 10 and a heel 11. The flexible member 10 comprises agenerally flat lower wall 12 surrounded by an upwardly and outwardlyextending shaped side wall 13. As seen in FIG. 1, the lower wall 12 hasthe outline shape of the sole of a shoe with a toe end 14 and a heel end15. The end of the lower wall 12 towards the heel end 13 is providedwith an elongate D-shaped aperture 16 with a straight edge 17 of theaperture 16 towards the toe end 14. An elongate rectangular slot 18extends through the lower wall 12 commencing at the edge 17 andextending towards the toe end 14.

The flexible member 10 may be made from any suitable material but ispreferably made from flexible plastics material such as a polyurethanematerial. As shown separated from the heel 11, the flexible member 10 iscapable of a plurality of different configurations or shapes as, unlikea conventional shoe base, it does not include a stiffening shank. Theflexible member will not, by itself, support a foot. A support member isrequired to provide the flexible member at least with torsionalstability, even for a shoe with a low heel.

The heel 11 is formed in one piece from any suitable material such aswood or plastics and comprises a depending wedge-shaped ground-engagingportion 19 surmounted by an elongate support portion 20. A generallyflat elongate flange 21 is spaced from an upper surface of the supportportion 20 by a web 22.

The heel 11 is shaped so that the web 22 can be inserted in the slot 18and when the end of the web 22 reaches the closed end of the slot 18,the flange 21 is located in the aperture 16 and fills the aperture. Aportion of the lower wall 12 surrounding the aperture 16 rests on theupper surface of the support portion 20.

The effect of the mechanical interengagement of these parts is toprovide the flexible member 10 with sufficient rigidity to allow it tosupport a foot. The flexible nature of the material of the flexiblemember 10 allows the lower wall 12 towards the toe end to angle itselfrelative to the portion of the lower wall 12 towards the heel end 15 toaccommodate the presence of the heel 11. The flexible member 10 is thusformed into a foot supporting shape or configuration. The supportportion 20 provides a flattened S-shape which is adapted to the heightof the heel 11 and which causes the flexible member 10 to adopt aparticular foot supporting shape adapted to that height.

As seen in FIG. 1, the flexible member 10 may be provided with a catch23 which releasably latches the heel 11 to the flexible member 10.Release of this catch allows the heel 11 to be disengaged from theflexible member 10. It may, as discussed in more detail below, bereplaced by a second heel (not shown) having a different height to givea different style of shoe. Each heel 11 of a different height will havea differently shaped support portion 20 which will set the shape andconfiguration of the flexible member 10 accordingly.

The flexible member 10 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and2(c). From this it will be seen that the side wall 13 may be providedwith an upwardly extending portion 24 at the heel end, two lateralprojections 25 at the instep and a toe projection 26 at the toe end 14.These can be used to allow connection of the flexible member 10 to anupper. One form of upper will be described below with reference to FIGS.6(a) and 6(b).

FIG. 3(a) shows the flexible member 10 of FIG. 1 provided with aschematically shown upper 27. FIG. 3(b) shows the heel 11 of FIG. 1 andFIG. 3(c) shows the heel 11 connected to the flexible member 10 and theupper 27. In FIG. 3(c) the flexible member 10 is fixed into a first footsupporting shape or configuration adapted to a low heel.

FIG. 4(a) also shows the flexible member 10 of FIG. 1. In this case,however, as seen in FIG. 4(b), the heel 11 has a ground-engaging portion28 that is higher than the corresponding portion 19 of the heel 11 ofFIG. 2(a). Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 4(c), the heel 11 when connectedto the flexible member 10 and the upper 27 produces a different style ofshoe. In FIG. 4(c) it will be seen that the flexible member 10 is fixedinto a second, different foot supporting shape or configuration which isadapted to an intermediate height heel.

Referring next to FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c), again the flexible member10 and the upper 27 are as in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). However, as seen inFIG. 5(b), the heel 11 has a ground-engaging portion 29 which is higherthan the ground-engaging portions 28 and 17 of FIGS. 3(a) and 4(b).Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the heel 11 of FIG. 5(b) isengaged with the flexible member 10, a still different style of shoe isproduced. In FIG. 5(c) the flexible member 10 is fixed into a third,different foot supporting shape or configuration adapted to a high heel.It will be seen by comparing FIGS. 3(a)-5(a) or 3(c)-5(c) that theflexible member 10 and hence the base of the shoe adopts a totallydifferent S-shaped shape and contour in the different foot supportingshapes or configurations. In FIG. 3(c) the flexible member is raised ata shallow angle from the toe end to the heel end to accommodate the lowheel. In FIG. 5(c) the flexible member had adopted a distinct S-shape,arching upwardly from the toe end to accommodate the higher heel butthen flattening out over the heel to provide support for the foot and todistribute the wearer's weight evenly.

It will be seen, therefore, that in all the embodiments described abovewith reference to FIGS. 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 4(a), 4(b), 4(c) and 5(a),5(b) and 5(c), the conformable, flexible member 10 is only renderedsufficiently rigid to support a foot when engaged by the heel 11. Theheel 11 and the support portion 20 provide both longitudinal and lateralsupport so allowing the shoe to be worn and to support a foot.

The lower wall 12 of the flexible member 10 can, in a finished shoe,form a sole that contacts the ground. Alternatively a sole can beapplied to the lower surface of the lower wall 12. In either case aninsole may be provided over the lower wall 12.

Referring now to FIG. 6(a), there is shown an upper 30 having a toeportion 31 and two side portions 32. This may be made of any suitablematerial, but could be a plastics material or a leather or a woven orknitted material or a combination of such materials. The upper 30 isprovided with a zone 33 around the toe which is reinforced and stiffenedusing a polyurethane coating. Similar zones 34 are provided at the freeends of the side portions 32.

Referring now to FIG. 6(b), this upper 30 can be connected to a flexiblemember 10 of the kind described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5using the projecting portions 24,25 and 26, with the reinforced zones 34at the ends of the side parts 32 wrapping around to form the heel end ofthe shoe.

Referring next to FIG. 7, the flexible member 40 of this embodiment isfor incorporation into a sole of a shoe base and is formed in one piecefrom a plastics material. The member 40 comprises a planar heel portion41 surrounded by a peripheral depending wall 42 terminating in a head43. The heel portion 41 has a front edge 44 from which extends anelongate spine 45. The spine 45 carries, at spaced intervals therealong,four generally triangular downwardly directed support members 46 ofsimilar shapes but progressively decreasing size in a direction awayfrom the heel portion 41. Different plural numbers of support members 46may be used. As seen in FIG. 7, each support member includes a centralaperture 47 and lateral extensions 48 projecting to respective oppositesides of the length of the spine. The apertures 47 are aligned with oneanother. In this way, the portions of the spine 45 between the supportmembers 46 form flexible hinges that allow flexing of the spine.

A heel 49 is formed by a suitably shaped hollow shell 50 containing agenerally L-shaped support 51. The support 51 has a vertical limb 52attached to a rear surface of the interior of the shell and a generallyhorizontal support limb 53 that projects along the length of the shell50 at the top of the shell. As seen in FIG. 7, an arcuate portion 54 ofthe exterior of the shell 50 is recessed.

The shoe also includes a clip 55 and a W-shaped, spring latching member56. The clip has an arcuate body 57 with a pair of straight parallel butspaced guide members 58 projecting from the concave interior surface ofthe arcuate body. The ends of the arcuate body are inwardly directed.The W-shaped spring latching member is provided with lugs 59 atrespective opposite ends of the member 56

The shoe described above with reference to FIG. 7 is assembled asfollows.

The flexible member 40 is fixed to a flexible sole 60 of the shoe viathe heel portion 41 and upper surfaces of the support members 46. Theend of the horizontal support portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 isthen inserted into the aperture 47 in that support member 46 closest tothe heel and is then pushed down through succeeding apertures until thearcuate portion 54 at the rear of the heel 49 engages the wall 42 on theheel portion 41 of the flexible member 40.

The W-shaped spring latching member 56 is held in the cavity definedbeneath the heel portion 41 and the wall 42 with the lugs 59 projectingthrough respective apertures 61 in the wall 42.

As the arcuate portion 54 of the heel 49 engages the wall 43, the lugs59 snap fit into respective apertures 62 in the heel. Thus, the heel 49is firmly locked to the flexible member 40 and thus to the shoe.Finally, the guide members 58 in the clip 55 are inserted throughrespective slots 63 in the arcuate portion 54 of the heel 49 and embracethe support 51 with the arcuate body 57 filling the arcuate portion 54of the heel 49 and the ends of the arcuate body 57 covering the lugs 59.

In this way, the shape of the horizontal support portion 53 of theL-shaped support 51 determines the curvature and shape of the flexiblemember 40 and thus determines the shape of the rear part of the sole 60of the shoe. The horizontal portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51therefore acts like the stiffening shank of a shoe of conventionalconstruction. The support members 46 provide lateral support for thefoot as does the heel with the load being passed down the vertical limb52 of the L-shaped member 51 to the ground. The flexible member 40 iseasy and inexpensive to produce and the heel 49 is rapidly and easilyfitted to from the flexible member 40.

It will be appreciated also that the heel 49 can be readily detachedfrom the flexible member 40 by removal of the clip 55, the inwarddepression of the lugs 59 and the retraction of the horizontal limb 53from the apertures 47 in the support member 46.

The heel 49 can then be replaced with a new heel which may be the sameas the heel 49 shown in FIG. 7 or may be a different heel having adifferent height or a different shape. For each heel 49, the horizontalsupport portion 53 of the L-shaped support 51 is adapted to the heightof the heel 49 such that it shapes the flexible member 40 into aparticular, appropriate foot supporting shape or configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of aflexible member 65 constructed on the same principles as the flexiblemember 40 of FIG. 7.

Parts common to FIG. 7 and to FIG. 8 will be given the same referencenumerals and will not be described in detail.

In this embodiment, the flexible member 65 is formed integrally with aninsole 66.

The flexible member 65 and the insole 66 are preferably moulded from asuitable plastics material. As seen particularly in FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d),the flexible member 65 is provided with a spine 67 and seven supportmembers 68. Each support member 68 has a central portion 69 of generallytriangular cross-section including the aperture 47 and two lateralextensions 48 projecting to respective opposite sides of the length ofthe flexible member to support a load. The heel portion 41, wall 42 andhead 43 are generally as described above with reference to FIG. 7. Dueto the articulation of the spine 67 and support members 68, the flexiblemember can adapt a large number of different shapes and configurations.

This embodiment co-operates with a heel 49 of the kind described abovewith reference to FIG. 7. The horizontal limb 53 of the L-shaped support51 of the heel 49 is pushed through the apertures 47 in the supportmembers 68 to shape the flexible member 65 and the insole 66 to allowthem, when incorporated in a shoe, to take the load of a foot. When theL-shaped support 51 is engaged with the flexible member 65, it fixes theshape and curvature of the insole into a foot supporting shape orconfiguration adapted to the height of the heel 49.

In a finished shoe, a sole is provided under the insole 66 and theflexible member 65.

This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the flexiblemember 65 will be hidden by the upper of the shoe and only the lowersole (not shown) will be visible below the upper. The lower sole can berelatively thin, as it does not need to accommodate the flexible member,which may be aesthetically desirable in some types of shoe.

It will be seen, therefore, that in all the embodiments described abovewith reference to the drawings, there is provided a flexible upper, aflexible base member incorporating an attaching mechanism and a rigidheel with an integrated shank and attaching mechanism. The shank/heellocates and mechanically locks inside the flexible member but can bedisengaged by the user allowing different styles and heights ofshank/heel unit to be interchanged according to user requirements.

It will also be seen in the embodiments described above with referenceto the drawings that a significant feature is the flexibility of theupper part of the shoe (that is the upper and the base) and the rigidityof the shank/heel unit. The latter component is inserted into the formerwhere it locks, the shank component of the mechanism slotting into acavity under the arch to provide support and fix the flexible member inposition. As both the flexible member and the upper of the shoe areflexible, they will deform to fit the contour provided by the shank/heelunit.

The mechanism once locked is stable and cannot be disengage duringnormal use. The user can disengage the shank/heel unit by pressing abutton in the mechanism and sliding the shank/heel unit out of the sole.The ability to interchange different heels of different heights isprovided by the flexibility of the base and the upper which will adaptto different heights without the upper creasing or causing discomfort tothe user.

It will be appreciated that the shank need not necessarily be integratedwith the heel, as long as the shank is adapted to the height of the heelwith which it is intended to be used. Such embodiments are describedbelow.

Referring next to FIG. 9, an upper assembly comprises an inner layer 110formed by a single, generally U-shaped piece of stretchable material.

For example, the stretchable material may be a knitted nylon and Lycramaterial which is heat mouldable. However, any suitable stretchablematerial may be used.

The inner 110 has a toe end 111 covered by a vamp overlay 112, which maybe of leather and which may be stitched to the inner layer 110 of longsuitable seams. As shown, the vamp overlay 112 is provided with adecorative strap 113 and bar 114 but these may be varied or omitted asrequired. A generally crescent-shaped toe-puff 115 is inserted betweenthe vamp overlay 112 and the inner layer 110 and has an arcuate outeredge in register with the registering outer arcuate edges of the toe end111 and the vamp overlay 112. The toe puff provides this area withstiffness and may be heat activatable. For example, it may be anon-woven injected resin material that is thermoplastic.

Referring next to FIG. 10, the free end edges 116 are next sewn togetheralong a stitching line 117 to shape the inner layer 110 and form anoutwardly directed seam 118.

Referring next to FIG. 11, a counter overlay 124 is then attached to theinner layer 110, preferably by stitching, to overlie the back partstiffener 120. The counter overlay 124 may be of the same material asthe vamp overlay 112. Next, a one piece, back part stiffener 120 is thenadded around the heel between the counter overlay 124 and the innerlayer 110. As will be seen, the back part stiffener 120 is generallyU-shaped with a projecting tongue 121 at the back strap connected byU-shaped depressions 122 to lateral stiffening portions one of which isshown at 123. The back part stiffener 120 may be formed of the samematerial as the toe puff 115. At the same time, the lasting allowance atthe outer edges of the inner 110 are folded inwardly to form aperipheral flange for connection to a sole (not shown). It will be seenthat, at the waist of the shoe, there is a zone 125 between, on the onehand, the vamp overlay 112 and the toe puff 115 and, on the other hand,the back part stiffener 120 and the counter overlay 124. As seen inFIGS. 12 and 13, this provides a hinge that allows the portion of thesub-assembly towards the heel to flex relative to the toe end 111.

As seen in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the tongue 121 of the back partstiffener extends only part the way to the top line 126. However, theoverlying counter overlay 124 also has a tongue 127 that covers thetongue 121 of the back part stiffener and extends to the top line 126.Between them, these parts form a back strap having an upper end towardsthe top line 126 that is able to flex relative to the lower end of theback strap in a direction parallel to the length of the upper. As willbe seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, this allows the back strap to flex outwardlyin this direction as the angle of the heel relative to the toe isdecreased in order to accommodate a foot.

The feature of the hinge and the movable back strap allow the upperdescribed above with reference to the drawings to be used with heels ofa variety of heights. In particular, it allows the upper to be used withthe interchangeable heels of the kind described above with reference tothe drawings although, this is not essential.

In addition, the inner layer 110 forms an inner surface to the upperassembly which has no seams except for the outwardly directed seam 118at the back strap.

This makes the upper very comfortable for all wearers. The presence ofthe stiffeners in the form of the toe puff 115 and the back partstiffener 120 and the presence of the vamp overlay 112 and the counteroverlay 124 nevertheless make the upper a more stylish shoe thanfootwear formed wholly from flexible material.

It will be appreciated that there are a large number of alterations thatcan be made to the arrangement described above with reference to FIGS. 9to 13. The stiffening of the toe and heel need not be formed by a singletoe puff 115 or back part stiffener 120; it could be provided by anumber of separate parts. The vamp overlay 112 and the counter overlay124 are optional. The toe puff 115 and the back part stiffener 120 couldbe visually acceptable by themselves, as described above with referenceto FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe.In this embodiment, a base member 200 for incorporation in the base of ashoe comprises a flexible member 202 and an articulated member 204. Theflexible member 202 is moulded from a flexible but durable rubber orplastic material such as polyurethane. The flexible member 202 forms theouter sole of a shoe and hence it must be able to withstand wear andtear as well as ideally having an aesthetically pleasing finish. Theflexible member 202 is therefore thicker than a conventional insole butit remains conformable in all directions and may have lateral incisions206 in its underside to ensure that it can flex fully into anylongitudinal contour. Depending on the material of the flexible member202, the incisions 206 may not be necessary to ensure conformability ofthe flexible member 202 but they have the visual effect of alluding toany hidden articulation, as will be explained below. The front end 208of the flexible member 202 contacts the ground in use. The rear end 210has a moulded heel attachment portion 212 designed to accept asupporting heel part.

The articulated member 204 is made from a rigid plastics material whichis chosen to impart the base member 200 with the required torsionalstability whilst remaining lightweight. Other materials such as metal orwood may of course be used. The articulated member 204 is made up of aheel portion 214 at its rear end and a series of interconnectedarticulations 216 at its front end. The articulations 216 define anelongate channel 218 therethrough. It will be appreciated that thearticulations 216 need not define a closed channel 218 as shown, butcould instead define a channel open on any of its sides or indeed aseries of interconnected clips.

The articulated member 204 is preferably embedded inside the flexiblemember 202, for example, by moulding the flexible member 202 around thearticulated member 204. The articulated member 204 provides a degree ofstiffness to the flexible member 202 at its rear end 210 and in thewaist 209 of the shoe. The articulated member 204 does not extend to thefront end 208 of the flexible member 202. It will be understood that ina shoe formed from the base member 200, the articulated member 204provides torsional support underneath the wearer's heel and arch regionsof the foot, so that the foot is comfortable and will not twist fromside to side. However, the front end 208 of the flexible member 202remains completely soft and conformable under the ball and toes of thefoot.

Due to the presence of the articulations 216, the base member 200 isstill flexible in that it is capable of adopting a plurality ofdifferent foot supporting shapes or configurations. This makes the basemember 200 different to a conventional shoe base, which is stiffenedinto a particular foot supporting shape by an embedded rigid shank. Itis only when the base member 200 is engaged with a heel and shapingmember 220 that it is forced to adopt a particular foot supporting shapeor configuration.

The exploded heel and shaping member 220 shown in FIG. 14 is made up ofa shaping part 222, a latch 224, a pin 226 and a heel part 228. Theshaping part 222 is formed from a strong, stiff material. Metal may beused but it is preferable to mould the shaping part 222 fromglass-filled nylon. The addition of glass fibres to nylon significantlystrengthens the material and provides stability and rigidity, making ita more appropriate material for the shaping part 222 than unstrengthenedplastics. The material of the shaping part 222 is somewhat moreimportant than with a conventional embedded shankpiece, as theremovability of the shaping part 222 means that it is exposed toenvironmental influences, as well as imposing aesthetic requirements. Aplastic or composite material is favoured over metal in order to providea shaping part 222 which is lightweight for transportation, appealing tothe eye and corrosion resistant.

The elongate shaping part 222 extends at an acute angle to a metal pin226 which projects downwardly from its rear end. The pin 226 is embeddedinto the plastics body of the heel part 228, thereby forming a singlepiece heel and shaping member 220. The pin 226 takes the place of themetal pin conventionally found at the core of a moulded plastics heel.The heel part 228 can be moulded to any desired shape and style and mayhave decorative pieces attached. The heel part 228 may also have areplaceable top piece (not shown) contacting the ground, as isconventional.

In a kit of parts, the base member 200 and heel and shaping member 220may be provided as two separate parts. A latch 224 is used to fasten theheel and shaping member 220 to the base member 200 when the two areengaged. The base member 200 can be used with any number of differentheel and shaping members 220 of different heights and styles, as willbecome apparent from the discussion below.

FIG. 15 shows the sub-assembly or kit of FIG. 14 formed into a shoe.

The shoe is formed from the flexible base member 200 and the removableheel and shaping member 220. A shoe upper 230 is shown schematically. Itcan be seen that the channel or passageway 218 is formed through the setof articulations 216. In other embodiments, the articulations 216 maynot be provided by an embedded articulated member, instead they may beintegrally moulded or otherwise provided in the base member 200, forexample as shown in FIG. 8 above. The articulations 216 may not behinged but merely provided by lateral incisions in the base member 200which allow it to flex into different longitudinal contours.

In the heel and shaping member 220, the heel part 228 and the shapingpart 222 are interconnected. The shaping part 222 may be pivotablyconnected to the heel part 228 to allow the heel and shaping member 220to be folded for storage or transportation. Forming the shaping part 222and the heel part 228 separately allows different materials to be used.For example, the shaping part can be moulded from a very stiff andstrong composite material which allows precision moulding whereas theheel part can be moulded from a cheaper, lower performance plasticsmaterial which allows greater variety in the appearance of the heelpart. In other embodiments, the heel and shaping member 220 may beintegrally moulded as one piece, with a metal pin (not shown) embeddedinside the heel part 228, as is conventional.

It can be seen that the back of the heel part 228 is provided with alatch 224 which locks the heel and shaping member 220 to the base member200 when the two are engaged. The base member 200 is provided with acorresponding catch 225 at the back of the heel attachment portion 212.

FIG. 16 shows how the heel and shaping member 220 of FIGS. 14 and 15 ismanually engaged with a base member 200 to form a shoe. The base member200 on its own is flexible and capable of a large number of differentfoot supporting S-shapes. The shape of the base member 200 in the finalshoe is dictated by the shaping part which is in turn chosen based onthe height of heel to be attached. The shaping part 222 is inserted fromthe rear end of the base member 200 into the flexible channel orpassageway 218 and slid along until the heel part 228 engages with theheel attachment portion 212 at the rear end of the base member 200. Itwill be seen that the shaping part 222 is recessed into the top end ofthe heel part 228 such that a surrounding shell 232 covers the heelattachment portion 212 of the base member 200 when the heel and shapingmember 220 is fully engaged. The top of the heel part 228 is flush withthe base member 200, resulting in a shoe having an appearance littledifferent to a conventional heeled shoe.

In order to prevent the heel and shaping member 220 from disengagingduring use, the latch 224 is fastened to the catch 225 at the rear endof the base member 200 as shown. The latch 224 is recessed into the heelpart 228 when engaged, so as to prevent it from being knocked undoneaccidentally. A finger grip may be provided.

It will be appreciated that engagement of the stiff shaping part 222with the flexible base member 200 causes the base member 200 to adopt aparticular foot supporting shape or configuration. The shape of theshaping part 222 is adapted to the height of the heel part 228 andtherefore stiffens the flexible member 200 in the S-shape appropriate toa heel of that height. The shaping part 222 extends underneath the archregions of the foot in the waist of the shoe and as far as the ball ofthe foot. The front end of the base member 200 remains flexible.

The heel and shaping member 220 shown may be replaced with a differentmember having a different height heel. A user simply disengages theremovable heel and shaping member 220 by releasing the latch 224 andpulling the members apart, so that the shaping part 222 is no longerfastened inside the channel 218. The flexible base member 200 is againconformable into any desired shape. Another heel and shaping memberhaving a different height heel will have a corresponding shaping partwith a different S-shape adapted to that heel height. The flexible basemember 200 will be stiffened into a different foot supporting shape orconfiguration when another heel and shaping member is used. The resultis a shoe having readily removable and interchangeable heel parts, whichis comfortable and supportive regardless of the height of the heel, asthe heel and shaping member sets the base member into the footsupporting shape or configuration appropriate to each heel.

FIG. 17 gives an underside and partly cut-away view of a shoe formedfrom a kit or sub-assembly as described above. It can be seen that theouter shell 232 of the heel part 228 covers the heel attachment portion212 of the base member 200 and is flush with the rear end of the basemember 200. A metal pin 226 passes down through the centre of themoulded plastic heel part 228. The metal pin 226 may be covered by aheel top piece (not shown) which is separately replaceable so as toprolong the life of the heel and shaping member 220. The assembled shoelooks no different from a normal high heeled shoe, apart from thelateral incisions 206 in the underside of the base member 200.

FIG. 18(a) shows a heel member 320 which may be used when asubstantially flat shoe is desired, as shown in FIG. 18(b). The heelmember 320 comprises a flat heel part 328 and a support part 322. Theflexible base member 300 can be of the same construction as any of theprevious embodiments. However, as the base member 300 does not need tobe shaped into a foot supporting S-shape in a flat shoe, the supportpart 322 merely acts to engage and fasten the heel member 320 to thebase member 300. The base member 300 therefore adopts its default,unshaped, flat foot supporting shape or configuration. The heel part 328covers the heel attachment portion 312 of the base member 300 andcontacts the ground. When the flat heel member 320 is removed to allow ahigher heel and shaping member to be used, as in previous embodiments,the underside of the base member 300 has not been scuffed throughcontact with the ground. Such damage would otherwise be visible when ahigh heel is engaged instead.

FIGS. 19(a), 19(b) and 19(c) show the formation of shoes havingdifferent height heels using a sub-assembly or kit with different heightheel and shaping members as shown in FIGS. 14-18.

In FIG. 19(a) the flexible base member 200 is not stiffened into a footsupporting S-shape. The sub-assembly may be worn in this default mode asa soft slipper-like shoe. A default heel member may be used, asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 18, to cover the heel attachmentportion and prevent dirt and debris from entering the channel or otherfastening means provided on or in the base member 200.

In FIG. 19(b) an intermediate height heel and shaping member 220 hasbeen manually engaged with and fastened to the flexible base member 200.The shaping part provided by the heel member 220 has shaped andstiffened the base member 200 into a particular foot supporting S-shapeadapted to the height of the heel.

In FIG. 19(c) a high heel and shaping member 220′ has been manuallyengaged with and fastened to the flexible base member 200. The shapingpart provided by the heel member 220′ has shaped and stiffened the basemember 200 into a more acute foot supporting S-shape adapted to theheight of the heel.

It will be appreciated that any number of different removable heelmembers may be used interchangeably with the flexible base member 200,each heel member shaping the flexible member and causing it to adopt adifferent foot supporting shape or configuration suited to the heel.

FIG. 20 shows, in cross-section, a heel and shaping member 220 engagedwith and fastened to a flexible base member 200 of a further embodiment.Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts. In thisembodiment the shaping part 222 is pivotably connected to a metal heelpin 226 at a hinge 235. The pin 226 is embedded in the centre of amoulded plastics heel part 228. When the heel and shaping member 220 isremoved from the base member 200, the shaping part 222 can be foldeddown against the heel part 228 to provide a more compact arrangement.This is particularly suitable for a wearer who wishes to carry a spareor alternative heel, e.g., in a pocket or bag. The heel part 228 iscapped with a replaceable heel top piece 234, as is conventional. Afastening metal latch 224 and catch 225 are also shown. This additionalfastening ensures that the heel and shaping member 220 does not collapseduring use, and that the shaping part 222 does not accidentallydisengage from the base member 200. The method of fastening andunfastening the latch in order to attach and remove a heel member isshown in detail in FIG. 21.

In FIG. 21, step 1 shows the latch 224 fully engaged with the catch 225at the rear end of the base member 200. The handle 223 is recessed intothe back of the heel and shaping member 220. In steps 2-6, the handle223 is progressively pulled out from the heel and shaping member 220.The latch 224 is pivotably connected to the handle 223. As the handle223 is pulled further out, the latch 224 is hinged up and out ofengagement with the catch 225. In step 6, the latch 224 is showndisengaged from the catch 225, ready for removal of the heel and shapingmember 220 from the base member 200. The steps are reversed to engagethe latch after the heel and shaping member 220 has been replaced.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment wherein a heel and shaping member 420is hinged and foldable for storage and transportation. In thisembodiment, the shaping part 422 is pivoted about a hinge 435, extendedat an acute angle to the heel part 428 and fixed at this angle by a clip436. Instead of a latch and catch being provided at the back of the heelpart 428 and base member 400, locking buttons 438 are provided at thesides of the heel part 428. These locking buttons 438 engage withcorresponding recesses provided on the heel attachment portion 412 ofthe base member 400, or vice versa. The sides of the heel are lesslikely to be knocked during wear, making this mechanism safer than aback fastener. Any suitable means for fastening the shaping part 422 tothe base member 400 may be provided, as is described in more detailbelow.

It is not essential that the heel and shaping parts are provided by thesame member, as is apparent from FIG. 23. In this embodiment, asub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe comprises a heel member 528separate from a removable shaping member 522. The shaping member 522 issimilar to a conventional shankpiece and may be made from sprung steel.The shaping member 522 has an S-shape adapted to a heel of a particularheight. The heel member 528 may be removably attached to a flexible basemember (not shown) using a suitable attachment mechanism, before orafter the shaping member 522 has been fastened to the base member.Alternatively, the heel member 528 may be attached using the shapingmember 522 so that the parts are assembled at the same time. In theembodiment shown, the shaping member 522 is removably attachable to theheel member 528 by a resilient prong fastener 540 which latches into arecess 542 in the heel member 528. The fastener is engaged anddisengaged by pinching together the prongs. The shaping member 522 isthen manually engaged with or fastened to a flexible base member (notshown), together with the attached heel member 528. The shaping member522 stiffens the base member into a foot supporting shape orconfiguration suitable for the height of the heel member 528.

A kit of parts for forming a shoe may include a number of different heelmembers of different styles and/or heights, a shaping member adapted toeach height of heel in the kit, and a flexible base member. A userchooses a heel member and then selects the correct shaping member forthat height of heel. A single shaping member may be suitable for anumber of heels of different styles and colours, but all of the sameheight. A shoe is then assembled using the base member, the correctshaping member and the desired heel member. The heel member may byattachable to the base member independently of the shaping member. Thiswould allow different shapes and styles of heel to have their ownattachment mechanism suited to their shape. Alternatively, the manualengagement or fastening of the shaping member to the base member maycause the heel member to become attached as well. This can minimise andsimplify the steps involved in assembling a shoe.

FIG. 24 schematically shows a flexible base member 500, a heel member528 and the profile of different shaping members 528. Each shapingmember 528 provides the base member 500 with a different S-shape whichis adapted to a different heel height.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sub-assembly or kitfor forming a shoe wherein the heel and shaping member 620 is separable.The shaping member 621 comprises an elongate shaping part 622 extendingat an acute angle to a downwardly extending heel support part 644. Theshaping member 621 is formed in one piece, for example from sprung steelor a moulded plastics or composite material. A separate heel member 646provides the ground-engaging part of the assembly. As with conventionalheels, the plastics heel member 646 is injection moulded with a hollowcore. The heel support part 644 of the shaping member 628 can beinserted into the hollow core of the heel member 646 and takes the placeof the metal support pin embedded in a conventional heel. Means may beprovided for removably locking the heel member 646 onto the shapingmember 621. The resultant heel and shaping member 620 can be fastened toor manually engaged with a flexible base member as described above.Alternatively, the shaping member 621 could be fastened to or manuallyengaged with a base member first and then a heel member 646 of choiceslid over the support part 644. It will be appreciated that for a singleshaping member 621 adapted to heels of a particular height, manydifferent heel members 646 of that height could be provided, giving awearer a variety of styles and colours to choose from. A shaping member621 having a different S-shape will be required for different heightheels, as explained above.

Some further embodiments will now be described. FIG. 26 illustrates somedifferent ways in which a heel and shaping member or a heel member,indicated generally at 720, may be removably fastened to a base member700. FIG. 26(a) is similar to previously described embodiments in whichan elongate shaping member slides into a channel or passageway providedin the base member. In FIG. 26(a), a downwardly open channel 750 isprovided on the underside of the base member 700. The heel member 720 isfastened to the base member 700 by sliding a dovetailed extension 752 onits upper surface into the correspondingly shaped channel 750. Such afastening mechanism may be used to attach a heel member alone, or toattach a combined heel and shaping member. In the latter case, thelongitudinal contour of the dovetailed extension 752 will set the basemember 700 in a particular foot supporting shape or configurationadapted to the height of the heel.

In FIG. 26(b) the fastening arrangement of FIG. 26(a) is reversed, withan upwardly open channel 760 being provided on the heel member 720 and adovetailed extension 762 along the underside of the base member 700. Asthe extension 762 is part of the flexible base member 700, it too willbe flexible and capable of adapting a number of shapes. It is the shapeof the channel 760 provided by the heel member 720 which fixes theextension 762 and the flexible base member 700 into a particular footsupporting shape or configuration when the two are engaged.

FIGS. 26(c) and 26(d) are similar to FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), butillustrate an alternative dovetail-type connection. FIG. 26(e)illustrates another embodiment wherein one or more lateral, rather thanlongitudinal, dovetailed extensions 772 are provided on a heel member orheel and shaping member 720 in order to fasten it to a flexible basemember.

FIG. 27 illustrates keyhole-type fastening arrangements which may beprovided between a heel member or heel and shaping member 820 and a basemember 800. In FIG. 27(a), upwardly protruding pegs 802 are provided ona heel and shaping member 820. Corresponding keyholes 804 are providedon the underside of the flexible base member 800. The heel and shapingmember 820 is manually engaged with the base member 800 by pushing thepegs 802 up into the open ends of the keyholes 804 and then sliding themalong into the keyholes 804 such that the two members are removablyfastened together. Of course, the pegs 802 may be provided on the basemember 800 and the corresponding keyholes 804 on the heel and shapingmember 820.

FIG. 27(b) shows an alternative fastening arrangement wherein a singlekeyhole 814 is provided on one of the members. This is somewhat similarto the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 27(c) shows another alternativefastening arrangement wherein a series of keyholes 824 are provided, asin FIG. 27(a), but the keyholes 824 extend longitudinally rather thanlaterally. This determines the direction in which the members areslidably fastened together.

FIG. 28 illustrates yet another alternative fastening arrangementwherein a heel member 920 comprises a bayonet-type fastener 902 which isrotatably engageable with a base member (not shown).

FIG. 29 illustrates some alternative arrangements for fastening a heeland shaping member 1020 to a flexible base member 1000.

In FIG. 29(a) the heel and shaping member 1020 is provided with alocating hook 1002 at its front end and a snap-fit clip 1004 at its rearend. The heel and shaping member 1020 is manually engaged with the basemember 1000 by sliding the shaping part 1006 underneath the base member1000 until the locating hook 1002 connects with a shoulder 1008 on thebase member 1000. The base member 1000 is conformed to the shape of theheel and shaping member 1020 and its rear end is fastened by thesnap-fit clip 1004.

In FIG. 29(b) a series of fasteners 1010 are provided along the heel andshaping member 1020 and the base member 1000. The base member 1000 has asnap-fit clip 1012 for fastening the front end of the shaping part 1006.

In FIG. 29(c) a peg 1014 is provided to fasten the heel and shapingmember 1020 to the base member 1000 at its rear end.

It will be understood that any of the fastening arrangements describedabove with respect to FIGS. 26-29 may be used alone or in any desiredcombination in a sub-assembly or kit for forming a shoe. In particular,such fastening arrangements may replace or supplement those shown in theembodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-5, 7-8 or 14-25.

1. A sub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member forincorporation in the base of a shoe having a front end and a rear end,and capable of a plurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heelsof different heights; and a removable heel and shaping member having aheel part supporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heelheight and a shaping part removably fastened to the flexible member tocause the flexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shapeadapted to said heel height.
 2. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1wherein the shaping part is elongate and extends at an acute angle tothe heel part.
 3. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprising anelongate channel extending along part of the length of the flexiblemember between the front end and the rear end.
 4. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part is slidably fastened to theflexible member.
 5. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein theshaping part is fastened to more than one part of the flexible member.6. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said foot supportingshape is an S-shape.
 7. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein theshaping part stiffens the flexible member in the particular footsupporting shape adapted to said heel height.
 8. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the shaping part and heel part are integrallymoulded as one piece.
 9. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe shaping part is pivotably connected to the heel part to allow theheel and shaping member to be folded for storage or transportation. 10.A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the heel and shaping memberfurther comprises locking means to lock the shaping part at an acuteangle to the heel part in use.
 11. A sub-assembly for forming a shoecomprising: a flexible member for incorporation in the base of a shoe,having a front end and a rear end, and capable of a plurality of footsupporting shapes to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel membersupporting the rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and aremovable shaping member fastenable to the flexible member to cause theflexible member to adopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted tosaid heel height.
 12. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein theheel member is fastened to the flexible member separately from theshaping member.
 13. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein theheel member is fastened to the flexible member by the shaping member.14. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the shaping member isseparate from but attachable to the heel member.
 15. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 11 wherein the shaping member is slidably fastened tothe flexible member.
 16. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 whereinat least a part of the heel member is removable.
 17. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 11 wherein the heel height is adjustable.
 18. Asub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein said foot supporting shapeis an S-shape.
 19. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein theshaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular footsupporting shape adapted to said heel height.
 20. A kit of parts forforming a shoe comprising: a shoe base for receiving a foot, having afront end and a rear end, and including a flexible member capable of aplurality of foot supporting shapes to adapt to heels of differentheights; a heel member for supporting the rear end of the flexiblemember at a heel height; and an elongate shaping member manuallyengageable with said flexible member so as cause the flexible member toadopt a particular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of saidheel member.
 21. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the heel member isattachable to the flexible member independently of the shaping member.22. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the manual engagement of theshaping member with the flexible member attaches the heel member to theflexible member.
 23. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shapingmember is separate from but attachable to the heel member.
 24. A kit asclaimed in claim 20 wherein the shaping member is slidably engageablewith the flexible member.
 25. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein theshoe base includes an upper for receiving the foot.
 26. A kit as claimedin claim 20 wherein the shoe base comprises one or more of the groupconsisting of: (i) an upper; (ii) a toe puff; (iii) a back partstiffener; (iv) a vamp; (v) a vamp overlay; (vi) a counter; (vii) acounter overlay; (viii) a back strap; (ix) an ankle strap; (x) a toestrap; (xi) a quarter; (xii) a heel stiffener; (xiii) a toe cap; (xiv) atoe bar; (xv) a thong; (xvi) a sock; and (xvii) an insole.
 27. A kit asclaimed in claim 20 wherein said foot supporting shape is an S-shape.28. A kit as claimed in claim 20 wherein the shaping member stiffens theflexible member in the particular foot supporting shape adapted to saidheel height.
 29. A kit of parts for forming a shoe comprising: a shoebase for receiving a foot, having a front end and a rear end, andincluding a flexible member capable of a plurality of foot supportingshapes to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel and shaping memberhaving a heel part for supporting the rear end of the flexible member ata heel height, said heel and shaping member being manually engageablewith said flexible member so as cause the flexible member to adopt aparticular foot supporting shape adapted to said height of said heelmember.
 30. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shapingmember is manually engageable with the flexible member along part of thelength of the flexible member between the front end and the rear end ofthe shoe base.
 31. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel andshaping member is slidably engageable with the flexible member.
 32. Akit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel and shaping member comprisesa shaping part extending, in use, at an acute angle to the heel part.33. A kit as claimed in claim 32 wherein the flexible member comprisesan elongate channel, extending along a part of its length between thefront end and the rear end of the shoe base, for receiving said shapingpart.
 34. A kit as claimed in claim 32 wherein the shaping part ispivotably connected to the heel part to allow the heel and shapingmember to be folded for storage or transportation.
 35. A kit as claimedin claim 34 wherein the heel and shaping member further compriseslocking means to lock the shaping part at an acute angle to the heelpart in use.
 36. A kit as claimed in claim 29 wherein the heel andshaping member is moulded as one piece.
 37. A kit as claimed in claim 29wherein the shoe base comprises one or more of the group consisting of:(i) an upper; (ii) a toe puff; (iii) a back part stiffener; (iv) a vamp;(v) a vamp overlay; (vi) a counter; (vii) a counter overlay; (viii) aback strap; (ix) an ankle strap; (x) a toe strap; (xi) a quarter; (xii)a heel stiffener; (xiii) a toe cap; (xiv) a toe bar; (xv) a thong; (xvi)a sock; and (xvii) an insole.
 38. A kit as claimed in claim 29 whereinsaid foot supporting shape is an S-shape.
 39. A kit as claimed in claim29 wherein the heel and shaping member stiffens the flexible member inthe particular foot supporting shape adapted to said heel height.
 40. Asub-assembly for forming a shoe comprising: a base member havingmultiple articulations; a heel having a heel height; and an elongateshaping member cooperating with the multiple articulations of the basemember to cause the base member to adopt a particular foot supportingshape adapted to said heel height.
 41. A sub-assembly as claimed inclaim 40 wherein the shaping member is removable.
 42. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 40 wherein the heel is removable.
 43. A sub-assembly asclaimed in claim 40 wherein the shaping member is separate from butattachable to the heel.
 44. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40wherein the heel height is adjustable.
 45. A sub-assembly as claimed inclaim 40 wherein the base member is moulded from a plastics material.46. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the base membercomprises a flexible member and an articulated member.
 47. Asub-assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the articulated member isembedded in the flexible member.
 48. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim46 wherein the articulated member is made from a stiffer material thanthe flexible member to provide torsional stability to the base member.49. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 46 wherein the flexible member ismoulded from a flexible plastics material and the articulated member ismoulded from a rigid plastics material.
 50. A sub-assembly as claimed inclaim 40 wherein the shaping member comprises a glass-filled nylonmaterial.
 51. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the shapingmember slidably cooperates with the multiple articulations of the basemember.
 52. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein the basemember includes an elongate channel in the multiple articulations andthe shaping member cooperates with the channel to shape the base memberinto said foot supporting shape.
 53. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim40 wherein the base member includes attaching means associated with themultiple articulations for attaching the elongate shaping member to thebase member and allowing cooperation with the articulations.
 54. Asub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein said foot supporting shapeis an S-shape.
 55. A sub-assembly as claimed in claim 40 wherein theshaping member stiffens the flexible member in the particular footsupporting shape adapted to said heel height.
 56. A sub-assembly forforming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation in a baseof the shoe and capable of a plurality of foot supporting configurationsto adapt to heels of different heights; and a removable heel and supportmember having a heel part supporting a rear end of the flexible memberat a heel height and a support part removably fastened to the flexiblemember to cause the flexible member to adopt a particular footsupporting configuration adapted to said heel height.
 57. A sub-assemblyfor forming a shoe comprising: a flexible member for incorporation inthe base of a shoe and capable of a plurality of foot supportingconfigurations to adapt to heels of different heights; a heel supportinga rear end of the flexible member at a heel height; and a removablesupport member fastenable to the flexible member to cause the flexiblemember to adopt a particular foot supporting configuration adapted tosaid heel height.